Page 29 of An Empress of Earth & Darkness

Murk took a step forward to join Commander Stryker. “Then why can I not give you one of my sons as a substitute for your guardianship request? Waylen or Roman would be honoured to take the opportunity.”

Emara was sharp and unrelenting as she said, “Because I have made it clear I do not wish to have any of your sons in my trio. I have pledged for your daughter if the prime would grant it.”

The alpha looked tense, but he hadn’t yet said no, and Emara wondered if Breighly had spoken to her father beforehand. She did come under his jurisdiction; she was his princess.

Emara took a step forward. “I have seen her fight the Dark Army under the grace of this kingdom’s moons, and I know she is worthy of the position, as do you, Alpha Baxgroll. She is fierce and loyal and has never faltered when sending the Dark Army back where they belong. I know it is hard for you to consider that your daughter be anything but your delicate little girl, but she is powerful and a grand fighter. I wish to have her by my side to ensure my magic’s safety. To ensure this kingdom has an Empress of Air. It would mean that the pack also has my protection and anything I have to offer. She has shown more than once that she is capable of my protection, Alpha.”

Murk took a few seconds before a small, wry smile appeared on his face. “Oh, I know she is anything but delicate. She is a wolf. My wolf.” His eyes softened as he looked over his princess, and it was the only time Emara had ever seen his dark eyes turn a golden brown. “Do you want this, Bry?”

Breighly smiled at her father as she looked him in the eye and said, “I am ready, Papa.”

For the first time in all of the meetings and summits Emara had attended, the Faerie king rose from his seat and looked over the crowd. His stunning silver hair hung loosely at the sides of his face, his ears sticking out from underneath. His eyes were shining like amethysts as he drank in the sight of her standing there.

Emara’s heart skipped a few beats, and even Breighly tensed beside her.

Although he was a slender man, you could still see the strength in his stance as he stood like stone. His cobalt dress jacket swept the floor behind him as he slowly walked over to her, his fancy shoes clicking on the wooden floor.

Emara didn’t know if air had entered her lungs or if it had hidden away as the king stood before her. His ancient-looking hand took hold of hers and she couldn’t hold back the audible gasp that left her throat. She had never seen him do anything of the likes before. He normally sat unmoving, listening and making cordial nods in agreement or disagreement. He wasn’t interested in being involved in any political business that did not directly affect his court. Never before had she seen him move or make an effort to speak to someone standing at a summit.

She bowed lower than she had ever before, hoping that she hadn’t offended him. Had she disrespected him in some way? Did Fae views differ from her own? Had she lost his vote?

As she straightened her spine, her gaze met his, and an amused smile tantalised his thin, pale lips.

“Empress of House Air,” he said in a voice so elderly she would have thought him a relic older than the Resurrection Stone. “It is my pleasure to greet you fully.”

She had met him a handful of times before, but she thought it rude to correct a king, so she nodded her head gracefully and said, “The honour is mine, King Oberon.”

The room that had gathered momentum just moments before fell into a stunned silence, and she felt like everyone was holding their breath.

“My enchantments are of ancient practice, and very different to how you wield your own.” He spoke quietly, but his pointed features were full of meaning, his gaze locked on hers. “I can feel the power of your wind and flame beckoning to my own sorcery, as I stand before you. When I dream, I can see your abilities in spirit reaching out to connect the stars in our universe, touching on galaxies untold. And when I hold the bones of your hand now, I can feel the magic of earth in the tips of your fingers; I can feel the need to heal the broken parts of this world. If you can find the connection to water, witchling, you will be unstoppable.”

Emara’s head dizzied, her hand that was still in the grasp of the king beginning to shake.

“There is a gap in our history that dates back to when the ancients left this world and the Gods found sanctuary somewhere more magical than Caledorna, and I believe you are going to fill that gap, Emara Clearwater. Your power is infinite.” He leaned in and whispered to her only, “Even if I can feel a terrible darkness brewing in you. You must search for the Light, always.”

Before Emara could even register the compliment or take in what the king had just said about the darkness of her blood, King Oberon turned to the crowd. Dropping her hand, he said, “All in favour of granting the Empress of Air, an heir of royal witching blood and defender of the Light Gods, the right for her choice of guard, please make it known. Stand.” His galaxy-filled eyes looked around and then back to her.

Emara’s mouth fell open slightly as people began rising from their seats in her favour. Rows and rows of the magical factions stood. The king nodded in her direction with a wise smile that was almost too coy to see and began making his way back to his chair on the panel.

“What the fuck did you just do?” Breighly whispered in her ear, laughing a little.

“I have no idea,” Emara whispered back as she took in the crowd, her own heart beating like an enchanted drum.

A few still sat in their chairs, but that was okay because it was clear she had the majority vote. Her empress sister stood, watching her in amazement. Kerrix Bellfield of House Spirit smiled, and Emara knew she had changed the game for her too. Rya’s face gave nothing away. Emara could have choked on her own heart as she took in all the eyes and faces watching her change the course of history.

“Then it shall be done,” the king said, showing no hint of surprise like the others from the prime. “Can the faction leaders make their vote known even though there is an overwhelming majority in the empress’s favour?”

A crash back down to reality had Emara’s eyes back on the prime. Regardless of if the people had made themselves known, the prime still had the final say.

It took a moment, but Murk nodded, and a smile as radiant as the moon lit Breighly’s face.

“Commander Stryker?” the king urged.

Aerrick seemed to toy with the decision in his mind, drawing out a long silence. “I will agree to her terms on a temporary basis,” the chief hunter said as he placed a hand to his mouth, rubbing his lower lip. “The empress makes a valid point about my men, but because the wolf will be working alongside my clans directly, I will need to clear Miss Baxgroll before I allow her into my formations. I will need to assess her skill, tenacity, and mind.”

“Of course, Chief Commander.” Emara nodded her head.

As she stole a glance at the Minister of Coin, who remained seated, she could feel his blood boiling under his expensive attire. She flashed him a victorious smile.

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